India has officially rolled out the e-Passport, marking a major upgrade in the way Indians travel abroad. Designed to boost security and speed up immigration checks, the new e-Passport brings India closer to global travel standards. Here’s everything you need to know — from eligibility and application steps to fees and key benefits.
What Is an e-Passport?
An e-Passport is an upgraded version of the regular passport that comes with a tiny electronic chip embedded in the back cover. This chip securely stores the passport holder’s personal and biometric details, including their photograph and fingerprints.
The data stored inside the chip is encrypted, making it extremely difficult to copy, tamper with or misuse. Visually, the e-Passport looks similar to the existing passport, but you can spot it by a small gold symbol on the cover. This symbol confirms that the passport meets international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Who Can Apply for an e-Passport?
Any Indian citizen eligible for a regular passport can apply for an e-Passport. However, the rollout is being done in phases, which means not all Passport Seva Kendras and post office centres are issuing e-Passports yet.
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If your local passport office is enabled for e-Passport services, your new or renewed passport will automatically be issued as an e-Passport. There is no separate application process specifically for the e-Passport.
How to Apply and What Is the Fee?
The application process remains unchanged. Applicants need to:
- Visit the official Passport Seva Portal.
- Fill out the online application form
- Pay the application fee
- Book an appointment and visit the passport centre for biometric verification
There is no extra charge for an e-Passport. The fees stay the same:
- ₹1,500 for a 36-page passport
- ₹2,000 for a 60-page passport
- Tatkal applications attract higher charges
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Existing passport holders do not need to replace their current passports. All old passports will stay valid until their expiry date.
Why Is the e-Passport Important?
The biggest advantage of the e-Passport is enhanced security. The embedded chip makes forgery and identity fraud far more difficult, helping authorities verify travellers more accurately.
Another major advantage is faster immigration clearance, especially at airports equipped with automated e-gates. This can significantly cut waiting times and make international travel smoother, particularly for frequent flyers.
A Step Towards Smarter Travel
The launch of the e-Passport is a big milestone in India’s digital transformation. By blending advanced technology with travel documents, India is making passports safer, smarter and globally compatible. As more centres begin issuing e-Passports, travellers can look forward to a more secure international travel experience. They can also anticipate a hassle-free journey in the coming years. ✈️
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